The 9th Level - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9

JUN Auto's Latest 500hp EVO Creation

With nine generations currently prowling the Earth, Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution needs no introduction. All-wheel drive, responsive turbocharger, big power, and amazing grip, all of these features earmark the EVO legacy. Having built one of the most heart-stopping collections of demo cars ever to lap Tsukuba Circuit, JUN Auto Mechanic also needs no introduction. From Bonneville to the dragstrip to the road course, JUN is no stranger to boosted performance. But, imagine these two legends combined, and you'll get an idea of just how serious this Lancer Evolution IX really is.

Beginning with a 2006 Mitsubishi EVO IX RS model, JUN began a series of modifications to create a competitive street legal Time Attack car. Already one of the fastest, most well-rounded four-door sports cars around, an EVO makes the perfect platform to start from. Now equipped with Mitsubishi's MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) variable valve lift and duration technology, the EVO IX's cast iron block and aluminum-headed 4G63 engine was torn apart to prepare it for big power. Slightly larger than stock 85.5mm forged JUN Super pistons were hung on JUN Super connecting rods from a stock crank. Up top sits JUN 264-duration exhaust cams, but boost is where the real power is made.

Replacing the stock TD05HR-16G6-10.5T twin-scroll turbocharger is a Trust TD06-20GSH unit bolted to a heat-wrapped Trust exhaust manifold. Regulating boost pressure is a Trust Type-R external wastegate, which leads into a Sard high-flow catalytic converter and a GP Sports titanium exhaust system. The front-mount intercooler was replaced with a larger Trust unit and the new intake manifold was fabricated by JUN. Tuned with an HKS F-Con V Pro engine management unit using 800cc Sard injectors and 24 psi of boost, the JUN Auto Mechanic EVO IX put down 493 hp at 7200 rpm and a healthy 409 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. Not too shabby at all.

With more than enough torque for the track, and a powerband broader than any 2.0L four-cylinder should be capable of, the only task left was to harness the power and keep the car in one piece. A much-needed oil cooler and JUN-spec Koyo radiator were installed for extended track sessions, which the car experiences quite often. The stock RS five-speed transmission was kept, but fit with a much heavier duty Cusco twin-plate clutch. Because JUN knew this EVO was going to tear tarmac in anger, the power delivery characteristics of the all-wheel-drive system have been altered. The stock front helical limited-slip differential was replaced with a Cusco Type-RS 1-way model, while the rear LSD was changed out for a Cusco Type-RS 1.5-way unit. The electronically controlled active center differential remains stock.

Tucked underneath the Ganador front bumper, Truth side skirts, and Ganador rear wing, the 18x9 Advan RGII wheels look the part as they are both mean and functional. Covered in sticky 245/40R18 Yokohama Advan A048 tires, the wheels use a +22 front and +29 rear offset to create a slightly narrower track in the rear compared to the front, for turn-in response, and to help with rotation of the rear end.

The exceptional factory stock Brembo brakes were dumped in favor of an even larger 13.5-inch front Endless six-piston caliper brake kit, balanced out with a 13-inch four-piston rear brake setup. Teamed up with Zeal Super Function-R coil-overs and Cusco tie bars, the JUN EVO has all the details necessary to succeed.

With more than enough manners and comfort to survive the daily commute to work and to the racetrack, JUN Auto's EVO IX could very well be the perfect blend of street and track nirvana.